A Music CD Featuring: Irene Stephens-Griffin info@griffin-house.com

Favorite Things: This first, and title track, is a song reminiscent of Julie Andrews and The Sound Of Music, but only for a moment. The unique treatment of this classic renders it a real toe tapper as it begins in a Latin two with the traditional 3/4 superimposed. The trumpets enter with a unison fill followed by punching figures as the feel changes to a swing tempo. Irene holds an unbelievably long note and the final chords give way to Paul's soaring trumpet "A" above high "C"

I Honestly Love You: is a beautiful love song written by Peter Allen and originally performed by Olivia Newton John. Irene gives a sensitive rendition while Paul provides the backing vocals. 

What's New: This song will always find new messengers. It was written by a personal friend of the Griffin Family; Bob Haggart, who wrote this beautiful melody as a trumpet solo for another personal friend and magnificent trumpeter, Billy Butterfield. Johnny Mercer was so inspired as to write the now famous lyrics and the song has continued to be reborn with Frank Sinatra on his classic "Only The Lonely" album, and such recent offerings as that of Linda Ronstadt with Nelson Riddle. Irene gives it special meaning on this album, and Paul plays a flugel horn tribute to his departed, and fondly remembered friend, Billy Butterfield.

Mac Arthur Park: Speaking of tributes; here's one to Jim Webb, Woodstock, and to the sixties. Paul had a tough time convincing Irene to sing this one, but once he did, she was unbridled in her enthusiasm. The middle of this pop suite features a soaring trumpet solo as Paul attempts to break the sound and speed barriers. Irene then re-enters with a warmth and clarity which moves ever higher. Just when you thought it was safe, Irene throws it into over-drive as she projects an amazing, glass shattering, double high "Bb"

Somewhere Out There: This wonderful song from the movie "An American Tail" provides Irene and Paul with their first ever opportunity to perform a vocal duet. Paul also takes the opportunity to fly with a melodic trumpet solo.

Little Boy Lost: "Fishing in streams, for pieces of dreams;" what an inspirational lyric!

Somewhere: Leonard Bernstein provided us with this beautiful song from West Side Story. While Paul enjoyed playing around with alternative chords and voicings, Irene gave this one a warm and sensitive interpretation.

Without A Song: Now this one really stretches. The arrangement on this 1920's song brings it up to date with a combination of popular styles. It was meant as a new opener for Irene's stage act; thus the overture type introduction which culminates in an octave gliss from the trumpets and the guitar fading from left to right. Irene enters and we're on our way. Lots of high, stabbing trumpet figures accentuate Irene's vocals while she lends a smoothness to an otherwise choppy, but exciting arrangement. Irene finalizes the tag ending with a high, slurring "Without A Song" while Paul puts a well executed button on the end.

Wishing You Were Here: This is one of the nicest of the Andrew Lloyd Webber songs from Phantom Of The Opera. A few of Irene and Paul's good friends came into the studio to lend their talents to this arrangement. Ronnie Fink, (flute and clarinet) and Rogers Grant (Piano) made this a collaborative effort, and Irene and Paul welcomed their artistry.

All The Things You Are: Here's another one which brought old friends together; a collaboration between Paul and Rusty Dedrick provided the arrangement, Scott Melamerson helped Paul out with the trumpets and Rogers Grant laid down the piano track. Rusty incorporated a modulation to a higher key, allowing Irene to exploit different timbres of this song. Rusty also opened the arrangement for a band ensemble so Paul and the guys wouldn't feel left out of the mix.

The Wind Beneath My Wings: Paul also used a modulation with his arrangement of this neo-standard. This time Irene is able to bring the power and the warmth of her voice together while Paul performs some trumpet obligatos around the melody. Irene wanted an ending with musical symbolism of the wind and she completes the mix with a soft glissando.

Make Of Our Hands: Here's another vocal duet which Paul originally orchestrated for his brother's wedding day. Irene and Paul have made this a part of their regular "live" performances at The Griffin House Bed and Breakfast.